Construction work is underway on a luxury apartment development for over 55s on the site of Sydney’s sixth oldest bowling club….even before the sale of a single unit.
Barely four months after entering an agreement with the landowner, and even before holding a sales launch, developer Mirvac celebrated the start of construction of its Waverley Bowling Club project on 22 April.
The project will deliver two new bowling greens, a new community venue and 55 luxury strata apartments.
The project has been able to take advantage of NSW’s planning system, which supports a fast-tracked rezoning system (known as a site compatibility certificate) for seniors housing located on club sites. Under the same system, each of the apartments must be occupied by at least one person aged over 55, or with a disability.
The apartments will be dispersed across four buildings, with one building fronting Birrell St to contain new club facilities at ground level overlooking the greens.
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The Birrell St building also offers some of the best ocean views, and will also have a landscaped rooftop with residential communal facilities such as barbecue and outdoor dining for the private use of the residents. Apartment prices have yet to be released.
Waverley Bowling Club President Patrick Fitzsimons said that after eight years of negotiations, to see the redevelopment finally begin was a moment for the history books.
“We are the sixth oldest bowling club in Sydney and there is a lot of history attached to the Waverley Bowling Club,” said Mr Fitzsimons.
“Once history is gone, it’s gone forever whereas this is the Phoenix rising from the ashes, coming back better than it ever was.
“It will be the best bowling club in the Eastern Suburbs. I already have people asking when it will open, not just bowlers but families and people in the community.
“This has always been a little oasis in the Eastern Suburbs where people can come and play barefoot bowls or just sit outside and watch the competition bowlers.”
Mirvac Head of Residential Stuart Penklis said the company was determined to deliver this project to Mirvac’s high standards creating a new community venue and greens worthy of the club’s rich history.
“Today marks the turning point for both the Easts Group and Waverley Bowling Club when we begin construction of what will be a magnificent new facility to be enjoyed by Members and the wider community,” said Mr Penklis.
“We are extremely proud to be entrusted with the delivery of such a historic site and look forward to working with Easts to build a new legacy.”
Comment from our CEO
Downsizing CEO Amanda Graham said Mirvac’s early construction schedule for the Waverley Bowling Club site illustrated the strong demand for seniors housing.
“With Australia’s ageing population, we know that it is difficult for many over 50s to find suitable homes, particularly in established inner-urban areas,” Ms Graham said. “Mirvac have clearly recognised this growing demand.”
“The NSW Government’s fast-tracked planning framework for seniors housing on club sites is a useful way to help meet this demand, while at the same time locating over 50s alongside club facilities. It’s a model other States should consider.”
